What is the truth about going to the dentist and remaining infection free?

The gold standard for infection prevention in dental practices is the OSHA, EPA, and CDC guidelines. We take every possible precaution to protect our patients, staff, and community by adhering to these procedures. This includes using personal protective equipment, sterilizing all instruments, and decontaminating the dental operatory after each patient. Others include:

• Disinfectant hand soap
• Gloves and face masks
• Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
• Sterilization of all equipment before every use
• Disposable materials

We also follow OSHA’s exposure control plan to prevent the spread of disease. By following these protocols, we can be confident that we provide the safest environment for our patients and staff. Following these protocols is an essential part of our core values and something we take ownership in.

We take our responsibility for our employee’s safety and health very seriously. That’s why we keep individualized medical records of each employee—to ensure that they comply with OSHA regulations and are up-to-date on their training. We review these records annually and update them as needed. In addition, our employees receive regular training on the latest best practices in the dental industry. This way, we can be confident that everyone on our team is compliant and knowledgeable about the safest ways to work.

Sterilization is another one of our top priorities. We sterilize our reusable equipment, including dental handpieces, using an autoclave. Autoclaves use steam, heat, and pressure to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring that our patients receive the highest care possible. We take sterilization seriously because we know it is essential to protecting the health of our patients. By sterilizing our equipment, we can be confident that we are providing the safest and most effective treatment possible.

We believe that the best defense against disease is information. We encourage our patients to ask questions and to learn as much as possible about their health care. We believe that the more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your care. We also believe that the more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you feel. Our goal is to provide our patients with the best possible care, and we believe knowledge is critical to that care.

We take infection control extremely seriously, are prepared for flu season outbreaks, and stay vigilant in the face of other avenues of infection. Our teams are equipped with the latest information and technology to ensure that our patients receive the best care. We have protocols for new pandemics that incorporate lessons learned from previous outbreaks. Our infection control measures are designed to protect our patients, staff, and families from the spread of infection. We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone who comes to our facility.

Here at our office, we understand you have numerous choices regarding whom to trust with your smile. That’s why we make every effort to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We know that you need to be able to trust us with your smile, and we take that responsibility seriously. We’re dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients and always working to improve our services.

It is conversations like the one last weekend that keeps this concept at the top of my mind.

Feel free to call or email us with any questions, and please visit our website at https://mckinneydentaloffices.com to schedule your next visit.

Cameron G. Francis, DDS